Intro to the graduate
My name is Erika, and I’m 26 years old and an Ørsted graduate. I joined the Ørsted Global Graduate Programme back in September 2022 and am currently on my second rotation out of three. As part of the finance track, I did my first rotation in Offshore Reporting & Forecasting. Now, I’m part of the Offshore Bid & Award Valuation team. During my first two rotations, I’ve been based in Gentofte in Denmark, but for my last rotation, I’ll move to Boston in the US where I’ll join the Americas Project Controlling team.
I’m from Northern Italy and studied my bachelor’s degree in business and economics in Bologna. I moved to Copenhagen three years ago to study my master’s degree in accounting, strategy, and control at Copenhagen Business School (CBS).
How did you end up joining the Ørsted Global Graduate Programme?
I was first introduced to the concept of ‘graduate programmes’ during my studies at CBS. Here, I became aware of the possibility of being part of different teams because of the rotations. The rotations in particular attracted me a lot, as I was unsure about what I wanted to work with. Therefore, it was the perfect opportunity to explore different areas of the finance field. After researching the different companies that offered graduate programmes, I found Ørsted’s graduate programme to be the perfect match. Both because of my interest in the industry and because of the structure of the programme.
What attracted you to Ørsted?
I was attracted to the renewable energy sector and wanted to learn more about it. I did some research about Ørsted and became interested in the history of the company. I was drawn to Ørsted’s open culture, as well as their focus on flexibility and well-being. All factors that are important to me.
What has been the highlight of being a graduate at Ørsted so far?
For me, the highlight has been the community and the network you become a part of in the programme. We’re around 50 people from all over the world based in different locations, which gives us opportunity to share both knowledge and provide feedback. We have a lot of inspiring workshops and social events, which strengthens the relationships between us and improves the collaboration at work.
We’re around 50 people from all over the world based in different locations, which gives us opportunity to share both knowledge and provide feedback. We have a lot of inspiring workshops and social events, which strengthens the relationships between us and improves the collaboration at work.
What has surprised you the most about working at Ørsted?
I was excited to see how motivated people are. I’ve talked to people who’ve worked at Ørsted for many years, and they’re still very passionate and motivated about what they do. I remember thinking ‘I want to be like them in 15 years’, because this translates into a working environment where people both collaborate and share successes and experiences.
Biggest challenge as a graduate so far?
The biggest challenge is the short amount of time that you have in the different teams. It takes around 4-5 months to learn some of the things, especially during your first rotations, where you’re new to the company. However, this is also the ‘fun part’, as you’re being challenged, and you can use the learnings in your future rotations. In the beginning, it’s hard to add value to the team you’re in, but over time, you’ll realise how much you can learn from this process.
Advice to other applicants?
Reach out and ask whatever questions you might have about the organisation and the workplace. Know what you’re applying for and what’s expected of you, as Ørsted will provide unique opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally. Ørsted isn’t only looking for bright candidates, but applicants with different backgrounds, personalities, and critical skills for the future, so be yourself and believe in your abilities!
How do you see your future with Ørsted?
I’m excited to finish my graduate programme in the US and work in the company from a different perspective in a new region. Once my graduate programme ends, I’ll come back to Denmark and start a full-time position. I’m still not sure in what team or department, but I want to be somewhere where I keep the current mindset and create some kind of impact, while still enjoy my work every day.
